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Friday, July 25, 2014

Bergamot’s Lavender Essence (The Power of Ideas)

This
morning I sip black tea “kissed with bergamot’s lavender essence.” Ahhh...and
just what is that essence? Google describes an aromatic oil found in bergamot
orange peelings. The Bergamot, an Italian citrus tree, produces this substance
used to flavor food and prepare essential oils and skin care products.

The rich floral flavor, also used in Earl
Grey teas, boasts a tinge of bitterness. The Bergamot’s pale gold oil gives a
fresh citrus scent. In other words, this cup of tea ought to transport me far
from Iowa’s frozen tundra outside my window. In one fell swoop. To what
location? It really matters not—just away.

The idea of an Italian landscape,
straight out of the movies, lush with citrus groves and lavender fields—conveys
strength. The idea has power. And those who hail from stringent pasts, where
choosing the best was most likely prohibited, breathe in the strength of
ideas.

Ideas can transform our attitudes. Not
merely this cup of tea, but the very words on the box, may serve as
transport to another, brighter place.

Why did I listen to my savvy daughter and
paint our dining room walls such a flagrant yellow-gold? (She will tell you it
took years for me to accept the introduction of brights into our décor,
but at least I finally did.)

I did it because color makes a difference,
like ideas. Stepping into this cheerful room, I feel better. This hue makes me
forget that just outside, another ice storm wreaks havoc. It reminds me that
somewhere, brightness prevails, and if I allow the process, even color or a
mere idea can slip me into another way of looking at things.

Getting out of bed in the morning
may be hard enough, much less producing any worthy thing throughout the day.
But yellow helps, and so does the lavender essence in my mug. A hand-thrown
pottery mug, by the way—a lovely creation by the same daughter who turned dull
and uninteresting walls into inspiration.

Now that
I think about it, an idea--an assignment in the Oregon Summer Writing Institute
ten years ago, led to my memoir. Starting tomorrow (July 24) thru Sunday,
Catching Up W/Daylight, is on sale (Kindle) for 99 cents, and I would so
appreciate you spreading the word in whatever ways you are able.

After teaching English as a Second Language and expository writing, Gail Kittleson enjoys her family (married 35 years, two children and two delightful grandchildren) and writing. Her nonfiction (Catching Up With Daylight/WhiteFire Publishing, 2013) and fiction (World War II era) share a consistent theme—empowerment. Visit Gail at her website.